Desiderata: A Century of Wisdom (1927–2027)
- Feb 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 25
It is rare for a single piece of writing to survive a century and remain as vital as the day it was penned. As we approach 2027, we celebrate the Centennial of Desiderata—a poem that has transitioned from a private diary entry to a global anthem for peace and authenticity.
In this Desiderata Centennial Guide:
The True Origin: Indiana, 1927 - Not 1692
One of the most persistent legends surrounding Desiderata is that it was found in Old St. Paul's Church, Baltimore, dated 1692. While that story adds a touch of ancient mystery, the truth is far more personal.
The poem was actually written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann, a lawyer and poet from Terre Haute, Indiana. The confusion began decades later when a rector at St. Paul’s included the poem in a booklet for his congregation. The "1692" on the cover referred to the church’s founding year, not the poem’s authorship. Knowing it was written in the wake of the 1920s—a time of rapid change and "noise"—makes its opening lines even more relatable to our modern world.
Perhaps this myth explains why so many depictions of the Desiderata Poem use an almost medieval font.
Why the Centennial Matters
For nearly 100 years, Desiderata has provided a roadmap for "walking placidly." In an era of digital noise and constant haste, Ehrmann’s reminders to “speak your truth quietly and clearly” and to “be gentle with yourself” are no longer just poetic suggestions—they are survival strategies.
At SomeThink Publications, we are marking this 100-year milestone by curating a definitive collection of resources for those who live by these words.
Join the Journey
Whether you have loved this poem for decades or are discovering it for the first time as we head toward the centennial, we invite you to explore our Desiderata: 2027 Centennial hub. From historical deep-dives to practical planning tools, we are here to help you keep your soul at peace in a noisy world.
Desiderata: Original Text Published in 1927
This is the original text from the book where Desiderata was first published.
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. by Max Ehrmann ©1927
Why Desiderata Still Has Meaning in 2027
As we reach the centennial of Max Ehrmann’s masterwork, the world looks vastly different than it did in 1927—and yet, the human heart remains remarkably the same. In an era dominated by the "noise and haste" of digital connectivity and social comparison, Desiderata acts as a vital grounding wire.
Noteable in the Desiderata's longevity is the elegant and simple language Ehrmann used which makes the poem approachable while still profound.
In 2027, "speaking your truth quietly and clearly" is a radical act of integrity in a world of loud opinions. Ehrmann’s counsel to "avoid loud and aggressive persons" has never been more relevant than it is in our current age of online discourse. Perhaps most importantly, his reminder that "you are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars" provides a necessary antidote to the modern feeling of being just another "data point" in a global machine.
After a century of progress, we find that the most sophisticated technology for personal peace is still a quiet mind and a gentle spirit.
Bringing the Wisdom Home
Because these 100-year-old lessons are so easily forgotten in the rush of daily life, we have designed notebooks and planners which feature a line from Desiderata on each page. These functional Desiderata books have been created to help you practice this Desiderata centennial wisdom every single morning because:
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Celebrate the Centennial with Us
To honor the journey toward 2027, we have developed a suite of commemorative resources designed to help you integrate these lessons into your daily life:
April 2026 Commemorative Wall Art: We will be offering three free printable poster designs featuring the full text of the poem, allowing you to keep this centennial wisdom visible in your home or office.
May 2026: The "Go Placidly" Daily Journal & Planner: A practical tool for men and women to navigate the "noise and haste" of modern life while keeping their spirit intact.
Coming Soon - The Centennial Anthology: A beautifully curated collection of Max Ehrmann’s poetry, placing Desiderata alongside his other profound (and often overlooked) works.
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